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    Home » Roundups

    20 Best Sides for Shrimp Tacos

    Published: May 1, 2023 by Agnieszka · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Are you a shrimp taco lover looking to elevate your taco game? Look no further! In this post, I've curated a list of the 20 best sides for shrimp tacos that will take your taco night to the next level. From creamy avocado salsa to tangy pickled red onions, these sides will complement the delicate flavors of shrimp while adding texture and depth to your tacos. 

    shrimp tacos with avocado, cotija cheese and mango salsa with text overlay saying "20 best sides for shrimp tacos".

    Shrimp tacos are a perfect meal for any occasion, whether you're having a lazy summer day or a busy weeknight. The shrimp is so juicy and succulent, and when you mix it with crispy veggies, it's like a flavor explosion in your mouth.

    Plus, they're super healthy, which is always a bonus. Shrimp is packed with protein and omega-3s, so you can chow down on these tacos guilt-free. And the best part? You can top them with whatever you want! 

    My favorite shrimp taco recipe is this one for Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa. I like to serve them with crunchy red cabbage, creamy avocado, briny Cotija cheese (or queso fresco), fresh cilantro and, of course, fresh mango salsa. I drizzle them with some spicy mayo and it's truly one of the best taco recipes ever! 

    Jump to:
    • What goes well with shrimp tacos
    • 1. Fresh Mango Salsa
    • 2. Easy Homemade Salsa
    • 3. Easy Authentic Guacamole
    • 4. Mexican Pickled Onions
    • 5. Mango Jicama Slaw
    • 6. Homemade Refried Beans
    • 7. Pinto Beans and Rice
    • 8. Grilled Mexican Corn (Elote)
    • 9. Mexican Chopped Salad
    • 10. Cilantro Lime Rice
    • 11. Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
    • 12. Blackened Corn
    • 13. Chili Lime Sweet Potatoes
    • 14. Black Bean Pineapple Salsa
    • 15. Cashew Cilantro Sauce
    • 16. Spanish Rice
    • 17. Grilled Corn Salad
    • 18. Poblano Cream Sauce
    • 19. Vegan Bean Salad
    • 20. Homemade Pico de Gallo
    • More ideas and FAQs
    • Related recipes
    • Meet the Author

    What goes well with shrimp tacos

    When it comes to picking the perfect sides to serve alongside shrimp tacos, the options are endless. Classic choices like creamy guacamole or zesty pico de gallo are always crowd-pleasers. But, if you're looking to switch things up, consider adding some crunchy shredded cabbage or slaw to your tacos.

    Check out this amazing list of 20 sides that work great on top of the tacos, such as salsas, slaws, and sauces, as well as standalone options, like salads, rice, and beans. The beauty of the taco bar is that you get to pick and choose what you like to create your ultimate taco experience. 

    Get ready to elevate your taco game and let your taste buds run wild with these incredible side options!

    1. Fresh Mango Salsa

    fresh mango salsa with red peppers, cilantro and jalapeno in a white bowl.
    Fresh Mango Salsa
    This easy Mango Salsa (Mango Pico de Gallo) is like summer in a bowl! This amazingly delisious fresh salsa is tangy, sweet and spicy at the same time. Made with juicy mangoes, sweet red pepper, spicy jalapeño and lime juice. A perfect addition to any Mexican inspired dish!
    Fresh mango salsa

    2. Easy Homemade Salsa

    fresh tomato salsa in a mason jar.
    This fresh Homemade Salsa tastes exactly like the kind they serve at a restaurant. In no more than 5 minutes, some juicy, ripe tomatoes are blended with veggies and spices you know and love that make a perfect salsa. 
    Easy Homemade Salsa
    fresh tomato salsa in a mason jar.

    3. Easy Authentic Guacamole

    guacamole in a white bowl.
    Super easy and delicious guacamole recipe that's deliciously smooth and creamy. Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, green onions, tomato and jalapenos.
    Easy Authentic Guacamole
    guacamole in a white bowl.

    4. Mexican Pickled Onions

    Mexican pickled onions in a glass jar.
    Want to make mexican pickled onions at home? It's incredibly simple, with just a few pantry staples and they last for ages in the fridge. Follow along for an easy spicy pickled onions recipe (with no refined sugar!). 
    Mexican Pickled Onions
    Mexican pickled onions in a glass jar.

    5. Mango Jicama Slaw

    mango jicama slaw in a wooden bowl.
    This mango jicama slaw is really quick and easy to make. It doesn't have many ingredients, but the fantastic fresh flavors are so tasty. Try it on top of tacos or as a side salad.
    Mango Jicama Slaw
    mango jicama slaw in a wooden bowl.

    6. Homemade Refried Beans

    refried beans in a red pot with handles.
    Making your own refried beans is a great way to save money and ensure that the ingredients are healthy. These refried beans are easy to make and the taste is better than anything from a can.
    Homemade Refried Beans
    refried beans in a red pot with jalapeno on top.

    7. Pinto Beans and Rice

    pinto beans and rice in a round brown bowl topped with pico de gallo.
    In this Mexican style Pinto Beans and Rice recipe, pinto beans cook slowly in the oven then finish to creamy perfection on the stove. Serve them with bright Pico de Gallo, aromatic rice, and an extra squirt of lime. This recipe is easy to double and freezes well.
    Pinto Beans and Rice
    pinto beans and rice in a round brown bowl topped with pico de gallo.

    8. Grilled Mexican Corn (Elote)

    grilled mexican corn on the cob on sticks on a black plate.
    After your corn is grilled, slather it with a zesty, creamy mixture of plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, cilantro, ancho, garlic, lime, and of course, cotija and more cilantro. It's a bit more work, but so tasty, and definitely worth the effort!
    Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
    grilled mexican corn on the cob on sticks on a black plate.

    9. Mexican Chopped Salad

    Mexican chopped salad in a glass bowl.
    Mexican chopped salad is a refreshing easy salad that is filled with beautiful fresh produce and tossed in a homemade cilantro lime dressing. This salad has so much flavor, it will be your new favorite salad.
    Mexican Chopped Salad
    Mexican chopped salad in a glass bowl.

    10. Cilantro Lime Rice

    Learn how to make chipotle’s cilantro lime rice rice right in your rice cooker and make your own burrito bowl at home! It's the perfect side dish to any of your dinner dishes, with plenty of herbs and fresh lime juice.
    Cilantro Lime Rice

    11. Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw

    red cabbage and carrot slaw in a wooden bowl.
    Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw is a simple kind of salad or side dish that can be served up with most anything else. It works as well as a side dish during the holiday season as it does for a summer picnic and it's especially great with shrimp tacos.
    Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
    red cabbage and carrot slaw in a wooden bowl.

    12. Blackened Corn

    blackened corn in a black cast iron skillet.
    This 15-minute side dish is savory, satisfying, and full of flavor! Blackened Corn is made in a cast iron skillet using frozen corn, a homemade seasoning blend, and optional toppings like fresh cilantro and cojita cheese!
    Blackened Corn
    blackened corn in a black cast iron skillet.

    13. Chili Lime Sweet Potatoes

    roasted sweet potato slices.
    Chili Lime Roasted Sweet Potato Slices are easy, delicious, and nutritious. A hint of smoky spice balances the natural sweetness of the baked sweet potatoes, and a squeeze of lime adds some zing. 
    Chili Lime Sweet Potatoes
    roasted sweet potato slices.

    14. Black Bean Pineapple Salsa

    black bean pineapple salsa in a white bowl.
    This Black Bean Pineapple Salsa is fresh, colorful, and has an amazing flavor. It is sweet and savory, crunchy and fresh, easy to make, and above all - healthy for you and your family!
    Black Bean Pineapple Salsa
    black bean pineapple salsa in a white bowl.

    15. Cashew Cilantro Sauce

    cashew cilantro sauce in a white bowl.
    This creamy vegan Cashew Cilantro Sauce is a great for tacos or a flavorful appetizer dip! It's made with garlic, jalapeno, and lime juice. It makes for a tasty all-purpose topping for tacos or any Mexican inspired meals. It's also perfect as a dip served with chips or fresh veggies.
    Cashew Cilantro Sauce
    cashew cilantro sauce in a white bowl.

    16. Spanish Rice

    spanish rice in a white bowl.
    This gluten free Spanish rice recipe brings authentic flavors to your table in only minutes. It's a hearty but flavorful side dish that can be served with any meal. Made with simple ingredients and only one pot it's an easy healthy side everyone will enjoy.
    Spanish Rice
    spanish rice in a white bowl.

    17. Grilled Corn Salad

    grilled corn salad in a red bowl.
    Fun, bright, and vibrant, this easy to make grilled corn salad is a perfect side to make this summer! Made with fresh grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, avocado and red onion.
    Grilled Corn Salad
    grilled corn salad in a red bowl.

    18. Poblano Cream Sauce

    poblano sauce in a wooden bowl on a wooden board.
    Get ready to spice up your dinner game with this creamy and flavorful poblano cream sauce. Made in just minutes, it’s delicious to keep on hand for tacos, nachos, burritos, or as a dip for chips! Made with roasted poblano peppers.
    Poblano Cream Sauce

    19. Vegan Bean Salad

    bean salad in a white bowl surrounded by corn chips.
    This vegan bean salad is my biggest summer hit. It's filled with fresh veggies, plant-based protein, and creamy avocado for a vegan twist on cowboy caviar. Perfect with chips, veggies or on its own!
    Vegan Bean Salad
    bean salad in a white bowl surrounded by corn chips.

    20. Homemade Pico de Gallo

    pico de gallo in a wooden bowl.
    This quick and easy Pico de Gallo recipe is so delicious! It adds so much flavor to so many dishes like fish and grilled chicken as a topping or right by itself on a chip. It only requires six ingredients including tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno,cilantro, lime and salt!
    Homemade Pico de Gallo

    More ideas and FAQs

    What topping combinations make the best shrimp tacos?

    Here are 6 delicious combinations for the best shrimp tacos:
    1. Classic: Shrimp, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice
    2. Baja-style: Shrimp, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, and lime crema
    3. Spicy: Shrimp, jalapeños, spicy salsa, cotija cheese, and lime
    4. Tropical: Shrimp, mango salsa, avocado, red onion, and lime
    5. Garlic lovers: Shrimp, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and hot sauce
    6. Grilled: Grilled shrimp, charred corn, avocado, and lime

    What are the best store bought shrimp taco toppings?

    When you don't have much time to make your own salsas, slaws and sauces, here's what you can easily get at the grocery store:
    1. Guacamole (in the refrigerated section)
    2. Fresh Pico de Gallo
    3. Your favorite jarred salsa
    4. Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
    5. Spicy mayo or Sriracha mayo
    6. Cotija cheese or queso fresco
    7. Canned refried beans
    8. Bagged slaw mix (I like rainbow slaw)
    9. Pickled jalapeños
    10. Hot sauce, such as Choula

    Shrimp tacos are a fantastic and easy-to-make meal that can be customized to suit any taste preference. With the addition of a few delicious sides, they can be transformed into a complete and satisfying meal.

    I hope that these recipes have inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and try out some new flavor combinations. So next time you're in the mood for a tasty and healthy meal, don't forget to add some of these sides to your shrimp taco recipe. Enjoy!

    Related recipes

    • Loaded Mini Pepper Nachos (Low-Carb, Gluten-Free)
    • Shrimp Fajita Quinoa Bowl
    • Homemade Taco Seasoning (mild & kid-friendly)
    • Vegetarian Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

    If you tried this recipe or any other recipe on my site, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it turned out in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest to see more recipes.

    Meet the Author

    Hi, I'm Agnieszka. I'm a mom of three and recipe developer, writer and photographer behind Wholly Tasteful. I love creating comforting, delicious, family-friendly recipes that you can feel good about.

    Learn more about me →

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    Hello and welcome to Wholly Tasteful, a healthy food and lifestyle blog! My name is Agnieszka and I am a busy mom of 3 living in and renovating a 1852 farmhouse in Maine. My recipes use ingredients that are healthy, whole and family friendly. 

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